Preventing healthcare professional burnout in oncology: How creative patient encouragement can go both ways.
Authors: Grace Yujin Lee, Liam Il-Young Chung, SeungHee Ryu, Trevor Barnum, Cara Chang, Brooke Hall, Dilyara Kadymova, Patricia Maule, Markie Meminger, Katie Opfer, Charlotte Patten, Laura Schmidt, Megan Tobias, Young Kwang Chae
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2022)

11020 Background: Cancer treatment is a difficult process that not only affects the patients themselves, but also their caregivers and healthcare professionals (HCPs). A cancer diagnosis is often a life-changing experience for both patients and caregivers, who may feel vulnerable and stressed in the face of such a complex disease. HCPs in oncology, who are constantly present on the frontline between life and death, often experience emotional and physical exhaustion. Such burnout of HCPs can lead to adverse effects on patient care. Therefore, it becomes important to prevent and manage HCPs’ fatigue to not only improve patient care, but also HCPs’ quality of life. Methods: This study qualitatively examined the experiences of HCPs who collaboratively interacted with patients and caregivers in the clinical setting. The Pacemakers initiative was developed and piloted in a large urban academic medical center with the aim to promote creative encouragement and companionship among HCPs and patients/caregivers. HCPs held ceremonies with personal awards for patients/caregivers during their treatment course, and their experience with the ceremonies was evaluated qualitatively with a survey. A thematic analysis was subsequently performed on the HCPs’ reflective essays ( N = 22) to identify recurring themes (italicized) in their experiences. Results: In general, we found that the HCPs felt that they were benefiting from taking part in the creative patient encouragement ceremonies. Many described the experience as motivating or inspiring ( n = 15), highlighting how such collaboration renews optimism and prevents burnout. The HCPs also reported feeling acknowledged for their behind-the-scenes work and support ( n = 5) and grateful to be given the opportunity to acknowledge their patients and caregivers ( n = 13), as well. Another common theme was that the HCPs felt that they were able to connect emotionally ( n = 14) with the patients and caregivers, describing moments of shared laughter and tears. Lastly, the HCPs reported feeling a sense of togetherness with patients and caregivers ( n = 13), often describing the relationship as akin to a team or family, and many stated that they were able to develop a more personal connection ( n = 15) with patients and caregivers through the ceremonies. Conclusions: Overall, we find that the benefits of encouraging patients and caregivers extend to HCPs. The positive impact of identifying and celebrating small but meaningful joys in the clinical setting is considerable especially upon HCPs, who find such experiences to be rewarding and refreshing. HCP burnout is common in oncology, and the findings of this analysis suggest that inspiring mutual encouragement and fostering collaboration between HCPs, patients, and caregivers are critical in reducing and preventing such fatigue.